An Online Multi-Index Approach to Human Ergonomics Assessment in the Workplace

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) remain one of the major occupational safety and health problems in European Union nowadays. Thus, continuous tracking workers’ exposure to factors that may contribute their develop- ment is paramount. This article introduces an online approach monitor kinematic dynamic quantities on workers, providing spot estimate physical load required daily jobs. A set ergonomic indexes defined account for multiple potential contributors WMSDs, also giving importance subject-specific requirements workers. To evaluate proposed framework, a thorough experimental analysis was conducted 12 human subjects considering tasks represent typical working activities manufacturing sector. For each task, better explain underlying were identified, following statistical analysis, supported by outcome surface electromyography analysis. comparison made with well-recognized standard tool ergonomics workplace, highlight benefits introduced framework. Results demonstrate high framework identifying risk factors, therefore, adopt preventive measures. Another equally important contribution this creation comprehensive database kinodynamic measurements, which hosts sensory data healthy performing industrial tasks.